Wall lights are among the most versatile and architecturally significant lighting choices in any interior. Unlike pendants or ceiling lights, which are determined largely by ceiling position, wall lights can be placed precisely where the design demands — flanking a fireplace, framing a headboard, running along a corridor, marking the threshold of a hallway, or adding warmth to a bathroom beside a mirror.
They also perform double duty that no other light source achieves as naturally: they illuminate and they decorate simultaneously. A wall light is visible and present whether switched on or off. Unlit, it reads as a sculptural object against the wall surface. Lit, it transforms the character of the room.
This guide covers everything you need to know to choose, specify and install wall lights correctly — from mounting heights and wiring to material selection and IP ratings.
The Different Types of Wall Light
Directional wall lights
Directional wall lights project light in a specific direction — upward, downward, or in a defined beam. They are used for task lighting (beside beds, beside mirrors, above desks) and for accent lighting (illuminating artwork or architectural features from close range). The shade, diffuser or housing controls the direction.
Diffusing wall lights
Diffusing wall lights use a translucent material — alabaster, opal glass, selenite, frosted acrylic — to spread light evenly in multiple directions, creating a soft ambient glow from the wall surface. These are the most commonly specified residential wall lights because they add warmth without introducing a sharp or directed quality to the light.
Our alabaster wall lights — including the Araco Lumière Halo, Beam, Flux and Glow, and CTO Lighting's Hepworth, Gaia and Lucid — all fall into this category. The natural stone diffuses light so completely that the fitting reads as a glowing surface rather than a visible light source.
Decorative wall lights
Decorative wall lights prioritise aesthetic impact as much as illumination — often featuring exposed bulbs, sculptural forms or dramatic proportions. CTO Lighting's Ring, Torres, Anvers wall and Array wall designs all occupy this category.
Bathroom wall lights
Bathroom wall lights are subject to IP (Ingress Protection) rating requirements depending on their position relative to the bath or shower. Zone 0 (inside the bath) requires IP67+. Zone 1 (directly above bath/shower) requires IP45+. Zone 2 (within 60cm of Zone 1) requires IP44+. Most residential wall lights used beside bathroom mirrors fall in Zone 2 and require IP44 as a minimum. Many of our CTO Lighting wall lights — including Hepworth, Gaia, Mezzo, Torres and Modulo variants — are available in IP44-rated versions.
Mounting Heights: Getting It Right
The most critical decision in wall light specification is mounting height — and it differs significantly by application.
Living room and hallway wall lights
For general ambient wall lighting in living rooms and hallways, mount the fitting so the centre of the shade sits at approximately 150–165cm from the floor. This places the light at slightly above eye level when standing — preventing direct glare while illuminating the wall and ceiling above effectively.
Bedside wall lights
For reading in bed, mount the fitting so the bottom of the shade sits at approximately 120–130cm from the floor, or 40–50cm above the top of the mattress (with mattress in place). The goal is a light source that is at or just above shoulder height when seated against pillows — close enough to read by without illuminating the whole room.
Bathroom wall lights beside a mirror
For bathroom mirror lighting, mount wall lights at eye height on either side of the mirror rather than above it. Eye-level side lighting eliminates the unflattering shadows that overhead lighting creates. A mounting height of 150–165cm to the centre of the shade suits most adults. Position the fittings 45–60cm apart (one either side of the mirror) for even facial illumination.
Staircase and corridor wall lights
For staircases and long corridors, a consistent mounting height of 150–155cm, with fittings spaced 1.5–2.5 metres apart (depending on their light output), creates an even, rhythmic quality of light along the route. In a staircase, measure the height from each step rather than from a fixed floor level — the fittings should maintain the same relationship to each step.
Wiring: Hard-Wired vs Plug-In
Almost all designer wall lights at Araco Interiors are designed for hard-wired installation — they connect directly to a wired circuit in the wall, with no visible flex or plug. This is the correct specification for any permanent installation and produces the cleanest result.
Hard-wired installation requires a qualified electrician to run a circuit to the specified mounting position(s) before plastering and decorating. This means wall lights must be planned at the early stages of a project or renovation — not after the room is finished.
Planning checklist for hard-wired wall lights:
- Confirm exact mounting height and position before first fix
- Specify back box depth — different fittings require different back box sizes (typically 25mm–47mm)
- Confirm whether the fitting is switched at the wall or via a remote circuit
- Confirm whether the circuit will be on a dimmer (if so, specify a compatible LED dimmer at the same time)
- For pairs of wall lights, confirm they will be on the same circuit and switched together
Material Selection Guide
Alabaster wall lights
Warm, natural, sculptural. The best choice for bedrooms, living rooms and entrance halls where atmosphere is paramount. Each piece is unique. See our Alabaster Lighting collection.
Brass wall lights
Warm, rich and timeless. Antique brass, satin brass and polished brass each read differently — antique brass is the most relaxed and lived-in, satin brass is clean and contemporary, polished brass is formal and reflective. CTO Lighting's brass work is among the finest available in British lighting design. See our Brass Lighting collection.
Bronze wall lights
Deeper and more architectural than brass, bronze suits industrial-adjacent, maximalist or very traditional schemes. CTO Lighting's antique bronze finish is their most-specified metal across all collections.
Crystal and glass wall lights
Crystal wall lights add brilliance and sparkle — ideal for entrance halls, dressing rooms and bedroom statement pieces. Our Araco Lumière Nola crystal wall light brings genuine decorative weight to any wall.
How Many Wall Lights Do I Need?
Wall lights should generally be used in multiples for balanced, symmetrical light distribution. In a living room, a pair flanking a fireplace, chimney breast or artwork creates a composed, designed effect. In a bedroom, a pair either side of the headboard performs both function and aesthetic roles. In a corridor, a series at regular intervals creates rhythm and definition.
For a single feature wall light — used as a decorative accent rather than a light source — one is sufficient, positioned to draw the eye to a specific point on the wall.
Shop Wall Lights at Araco Interiors
- All Wall Lights — 110+ designs
- Alabaster Wall Lights
- Brass Wall Lights
- CTO Lighting Wall Lights
- Araco Lumière Wall Lights
- Trade Pricing for Lighting Projects
Frequently Asked Questions
What height should wall lights be mounted at?
For general living spaces, mount wall lights so the centre of the shade sits at 150–165cm from the floor. For bedside reading lights, position the bottom of the shade at 120–130cm from the floor. For bathroom mirror lighting, mount at eye height (approximately 150–165cm) on either side of the mirror.
Do wall lights need an electrician?
Hard-wired wall lights (the correct specification for any permanent installation) must be installed by a qualified electrician. The wiring position needs to be planned before plastering and decorating. In the UK, electrical installation work must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations.
What IP rating do bathroom wall lights need?
Wall lights positioned within 60cm of a bath or shower zone (Zone 2) require a minimum IP44 rating. Many of our CTO Lighting wall light designs are available in IP44 variants — check individual product pages or contact our team to confirm bathroom suitability.
Can wall lights be used on a dimmer?
Yes — and they should be. All wall lights for residential use should be on a dimmer circuit. Specify a trailing-edge LED dimmer compatible with the specific fitting. Many CTO Lighting wall lights are available in DALI-A variants for integration with professional dimming systems.
Are trade discounts available on wall lights?
Yes. All wall lights at Araco Interiors are available at trade pricing for interior designers, architects and hospitality projects. Apply via our Trade & Projects page.